Non-Toxic Summer Essentials: My Favorite Sunscreens, Bug Sprays, & more

☀️ Summer is here, and it's the perfect time to make a few simple low-tox swaps for the season. From sun protection and outdoor essentials to everyday products you use more often during warmer weather, this guide highlights practical non-toxic summer favorites to help you enjoy the season with confidence. No overwhelm, no perfectionism—just realistic choices that support a healthier lifestyle. 🌿 Whether you're heading to the beach, spending more time outdoors, or refreshing your family’s summer routine, these essentials can help you make informed decisions while keeping things simple.

6/6/20269 min read

brown glass bottle beside white book on blue and white textile
brown glass bottle beside white book on blue and white textile

Non-Toxic Summer Essentials: My Favorite Sunscreens, Bug Sprays, & more

May 25, 2026

Summer is supposed to feel healthy — sunshine, fresh air, beach days, pool time, road trips, and more time outside. But what most people don’t realize is that many of the products we use most during summer can also increase our exposure to ingredients I personally try to avoid.

From conventional sunscreens loaded with questionable chemical filters, to synthetic fragrances in bug sprays and body products, to artificial dyes and additives hiding in hydration drinks and snacks, summer routines can quietly add up to a much higher toxic load than we think.

That doesn’t mean you need to panic or aim for perfection.

My approach has always been simple: low-tox, practical, and family-friendly. I focus on reducing unnecessary exposure where I can, choosing better alternatives when possible, and creating habits that support long-term wellness without making life stressful or complicated.

This guide is a curated roundup of some of the best non-toxic summer essentials I personally trust — including my favorite swaps for sunscreen, hydration, outdoor products, and more.

If you’re trying to create a healthier summer without becoming overwhelmed, this is for you.

Affiliate Disclosure

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through those links at no additional cost to you. I only share products I personally use, trust, or genuinely recommend.

Educational Use Only Disclaimer

The information shared in this post is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any health concerns or before making changes to your wellness routine.

FDA Disclaimer

Some products mentioned in this post may not be evaluated or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Statements made regarding these products have not necessarily been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Non-Toxic Sunscreen Favorites

I know this is controversial in the hyper-crunchy circles, but this is where I stand — sun protection is important in certain circumstances. Do I lather myself and my kid in it every time we go outside? No. But there are times I feel it’s appropriate — long days outside (especially at higher elevations), extended time at the pool or splash pad, hiking, sports, beach days, or any prolonged exposure near water.

Sunscreen is one of the most used summer essentials — but it’s also one of the products where ingredient quality really matters. Many conventional sunscreens contain chemical UV filters and additives that I personally choose to avoid whenever possible, especially for everyday use or for kids.

If you’d like to read more about why I avoid conventional, chemical sunscreens, check out this article I wrote on The Best Non-Toxic Sunscreens: What to Look For & What to Avoid. While I have since found more favorites, this post does a great job breaking down the importance of mineral-based sunscreens.

Best Body Sunscreens

Top Kid & Baby Sunscreens

Sunscreen Sticks

Favorite Facial SPF Finds

Tinted Mineral SPF

Sunburn Care That Actually Helps

Even with the best sunscreen and sun protection habits, sunburns can still happen — especially during long beach days, vacations, pool time, or simply spending more time outdoors than expected.

When I do get too much sun, I focus on supporting the skin and body as quickly as possible instead of piling on heavily fragranced after-sun products filled with unnecessary ingredients. The goal is to calm inflammation, support hydration, and help the skin recover naturally.

Immediate Sunburn Relief

One of the first things I do after too much sun exposure is take a cool (not ice-cold) shower or bath to help reduce heat and calm the skin. Extremely cold water can sometimes feel too harsh on already irritated skin, so I stick with cool, soothing temperatures.

Aloe Vera

Pure aloe vera is one of my favorite natural options for soothing sun-exposed skin. It can help cool, hydrate, and temporarily relieve discomfort without feeling heavy or greasy. You can even just grab a leaf from the grocery store and cut it open!

Hydration

Sunburn affects more than just the skin — it can also contribute to dehydration and electrolyte depletion. I focus heavily on water intake, minerals, and electrolyte support after long days in the heat or sun.

Avoiding Further Sun Exposure

This sounds obvious, but giving the skin a true break from additional UV exposure is one of the most important parts of recovery. I usually prioritize lightweight clothing, shade, and staying indoors when possible until the skin calms down.

My Non-Toxic Sunburn Care Favorite Finds

Tanning Lotion & Bronzers

Electrolytes & Summer Hydration

Hydration becomes a lot more important in the summer, especially when you’re dealing with heat, sun exposure, travel, and increased activity. Plain water is helpful, but in many cases it isn’t enough on its own — especially when you’re sweating more than usual.

That’s where electrolytes come in. They help support fluid balance, energy, and recovery so your body can actually use the water you’re drinking more effectively.

My Favorite Cleaner Electrolyte Options

  • Just Ingredients – 10% off with code NONTOXICRESOURCES. Travel packs available! If needing stevia-free, grab their Fruit Punch flavor

  • Paleo Valley – 15% off with this link

  • Promix – travel packs available

  • Minerals & Chill – adrenal support hydration with vitamin C

Easy Homemade Electrolyte Drink Recipe

  • 2 cups filtered water

  • 1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

  • 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

  • 1–2 teaspoons raw honey or maple syrup (optional, for taste and quick energy)

Mix well and adjust to taste depending on your needs and activity level.

My Non-Toxic First Aid Favorites

A summer first aid bag should be designed to be grab-and-go ready for travel, sports, and outdoor days. The following list is not meant to replace your regular first aid kit, but to compliment it and equip you with options that align a little more with non-toxic living.

None of these options replace proper medical care. In the event of an emergency, please seek the proper professional care. This content below is not meant as medical advice and none of the options are meant to treat, cure, or prevent any disease, ailment, or injury.

For more of my favorite first-aid kit additions, check out this page of our website here!

The goal isn’t to carry everything — it’s to carry the right essentials so I can handle most minor issues quickly and calmly while on the go.

Non-Toxic Bug Spray & Bite Relief

Bug spray is one of those summer essentials that can feel tricky when you’re trying to live a lower-tox lifestyle. On one hand, no one wants constant mosquito bites, ticks, or itchy skin. On the other hand, many conventional bug sprays contain ingredients that some people prefer to limit when possible.

My approach is balanced and practical. I care about reducing unnecessary chemical exposure, but I also recognize that bug protection matters — especially in areas where mosquitoes and ticks can carry illness.

Cleaner Bug Spray Alternatives

Please keep in mind these options contain essential oils in place of conventional chemicals as insect repellents. While effective, they may not be suitable for everyone. Carefully read the ingredients list and ensure safety of each oil for yourself, your children, and your loved ones; especially infants, pregnant women, and those with sensitivities. We cannot guarantee the safety of any product for any individual.

Bite Relief Essentials

Bite Relief Home Remedies

A simple baking soda paste is one of the easiest home remedies for itchy bug bites and mild irritation.

Colloidal oatmeal can be incredibly soothing for sensitive or inflamed skin and works well for both bug bites and general summer irritation.

Some of the simplest remedies are still the most effective: cold compresses, aloe vera, oatmeal baths, staying hydrated, and avoiding scratching whenever possible.

My Tick Bite Protocol

Thankfully, I do not live in an area prone to many ticks and have only had one scare (and I don’t believe it was ever attached, but I followed this protocol anyway)/.

Important Disclaimer

This section is not medical advice and should not be interpreted as diagnosis, treatment, or prevention advice for tick-borne illness. This is simply my personal tick bite protocol and the supportive steps I choose/would choose to take for myself and my family and is meant for educational purposes only.

If you are concerned about a tick bite, develop symptoms, notice worsening redness or swelling, or suspect possible tick-borne illness, please seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional immediately.

Step 1: Remove the Tick Properly

The first step is to remove the tick as carefully and quickly as possible using a tick remover tool like a Tick Key (linked here). I personally believe using a dedicated removal tool because helps avoid squeezing or twisting the tick during removal and has a better chance of a clean removal.

After removal, make sure the area is cleaned thoroughly.

Step 2: Apply Black Drawing Salve

Immediately after cleaning the area, I apply a layer of black drawing salve (I use this one) directly over the bite and leave it on for about 20 minutes to help draw out any remaining debris or irritants from the skin.

This is simply part of my personal protocol and something I keep in my summer first aid kit.

Step 3: Apply Colloidal Silver

After removing the salve and gently cleaning the area again, I would apply colloidal silver to the bite site because of its antibacterial properties and to help keep the area clean while the skin heals.

I personally prefer either:

Again, this is simply part of my own supportive routine after a tick bite.

Step 4: Monitor the Bite Carefully

One of the most important things to do is monitor the area closely over the following days and weeks.

I would draw a circle around the bite mark with a pen so I could track:

  • redness

  • swelling

  • irritation

  • changes in size or appearance

This makes it easier to notice progression or worsening symptoms early.

Step 5: My Personal Protective Protocol

These are some of the supportive products I personally choose to use after a tick bite.

Ledum 200c

I personally use Ledum 200c according to this schedule by Joette Calabrese (check her out here).

  • every 3 hours for the first day

  • twice daily for 1 week

  • twice weekly for 1 month

  • once weekly for 1 month

Vitamin C

I also prioritize vitamin C consistently for a couple of weeks after a bite.

Personally, I prefer whole-food vitamin C sources like freeze-dried acerola cherry powder (From Perfect Supplements – they have capsules and powder).
Code: NONTOXICRESOURCES

Echinacea

I personally use echinacea twice daily for about 2 weeks as part of my supportive wellness routine (and actually for all infections, really). Here is a trusted tincture.

Elderberry Syrup + Vitamin D

I also focus on additional immune-supportive habits and products like elderberry syrup and vitamin D during this time.

Chlorine Protection & Post-Swim Support

Pool days are one of the best parts of summer, but chlorine exposure is something I try to be more mindful about — especially during seasons when we’re swimming frequently.

This doesn’t mean I avoid pools altogether. It simply means I like to support the body before and after swimming in practical ways that may help reduce some of the irritation and dryness that can come with repeated chlorine exposure.

My approach is all about simple habits that help support the skin, hair, and overall recovery without making summer feel complicated.

Ways To Reduce Exposure

Barrier Cream

  • Clean & Bare Co tallow balm (code NONTOXICRESOURCES) – tallow helps create a nourishing protective barrier on the skin, which may reduce the drying and irritating effects of chlorine exposure and may prevent skin penetration to a degree.

Vitamin C Spray

  • Vitamin Sea Spray (code NONTOXIC10) – vitamin C spray may help neutralize chlorine residue on the skin after swimming while supporting the skin barrier and reducing dryness or irritation. I try and use a spray before and after exposure!

Prewet Hair

  • Before exposure, prewetting hair by help it absorb less chlorinated water

Summer Scents

Yes, even in the hot, summer months, I LOVE fun scents. Candles, wax melts, simmer pots, and room sprays bring me joy. I feel like Autumn and Winter get all the candle credit and I just don’t play that game!

Here is my favorite company for clean, summer-fun scents!

Soli Deo Gloria Candle Co – the cleanest candles on the market. Only 100% pure beeswax, quality and third party tested essential oils and botanical extracts, and organic hemp wicks (the cleanest burning wick available). All other candles I have tried give me a headache! She also offers toxin-free room sprays (that can double as body sprays in my opinion), wax melts, simmer pots (to place under a lamp warmer), and even car diffusers. Definitely give this brand a shot!

  • Coastal Breeze, Fresh Linen, Wildflower, Sunlit Cedar, & Lemon Vanilla Bliss are some of her fun summer options I recommend

Amazon Finds

If you’re looking for more non-toxic summer must-haves, including water bottles, cotton beach towels, on-the-go food storage, and more, check out our Summer Essentials Amazon Finds Here

You can also find our complete non-toxic swap guide linked here as well!